Open thread, 4/22, Braves vs. Lance Cormiers

This is a game the Braves should lose. Arizona is pitching its ace and good teams rarely get swept at home — especially in a four-game series. But the Braves bats are locked in and Randall Delgado should not be underestimated. He deserves to stay in Atlanta, showing the stuff and poise that has me convinced he’s going to be a dependable starter for years to come.

It would be short-sighted, however, to keep Delgado once Huddy is activated — either in the rotation or in the ‘pen. JJ has earned the chance to turn things around, and if he does the Braves should seriously consider trading him for whatever need arises (shortstop, perhaps, though Pastornicky has been a little better than I expected). Banish him to the ‘pen and his value is nil.